In Depth: Samsung Galaxy Tab S release date, news and rumors

Samsung Galaxy Tab S release date and design

Samsung is expected to soon release yet another premium tablet to rival its own Galaxy Tab Pro and Galaxy Note Pro lines, the Galaxy Tab S (or Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.5). At least that's the general consensus on the slate's surname, if you will.

Based on the leaks we've seen and reports we've heard so far, it seems that only one device in particular with this moniker will be unveiled at an event in New York on June 12.

However, said event will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, which you generally don't reserve for just one tablet – unless, of course, it's a big, big deal.

Cut to the chase

What is it? A brand new, premium Samsung Galaxy Tab

When is it out? Not long after the June 12 event, we imagine

What will it cost? In line with the Galaxy Tab Pro or Note Pro series

Samsung Galaxy Tab S release date

Unfortunately, this is the one thing about this tablet that we know little to nothing about. None of the leaks have mentioned anything about when this thing will hit shelves, but given the normal mode for such events, it can't come out long after it's been announced.

That said, we do know the Samsung Galaxy Tab S model name: SM-T800. That might be enough to go on for leakers to dredge up new intel on the device. (Plus, it makes us incredibly excited about the prospect of an SM-T1000.)

As we mentioned in the intro, Samsung has its "Tab into Color" event in New York on June 12, and the Galaxy Tab S is expected to be unveiled here.

If it does show up in New York we'd expect a Galaxy Tab S release date around July or August time.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S design

Based on the leaks that have run rampant since early May, the Galaxy Tab S will look, well, like every other Samsung tablet to come before it.

For fans, that's not necessarily a bad thing, but certainly wouldn't be the most exciting aspect of the device.

It looks like the rear of the device will sport the same pocked plastic shell as the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Samsung Galaxy Tab 4. The only difference here looks like two circular indentations on the shell, which are reportedly designed for a proprietary book cover case.

Even more images supposedly showing the Galaxy Tab S have appeared again on SamMobile, where an iPad Air beating depth of 6.6mm and weight of 465g puts the 9.7-inch Apple slate to shame.

Another retail image in this series of leaks also hints at a possible fingerprint scanner hidden under the home key - much like the Galaxy S5 - and that jives nicely with previous rumors on the topic.

A touch better TouchWiz

Given the critical reception to the much-improved TouchWiz Android overlay, it's safe to expect the same to appear on the Tab S. Recent leaks have even shown the device running Samsung's tablet-friendly magazine interface.

Also, multiple links have corroborated the story that the Tab S will come running Android 4.4.2 KitKat underneath Samsung's skin. And, given the purportedly supreme nature of the slate's spec sheet, we're inclined to agree.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S screen, camera and more

Samsung Galaxy Tab S storage

Like most tablets, word is that the Galaxy Tab S will come in three varieties of storage capacity: 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. How much each tier of onboard space will hike the price, however, is a question for another day.

But, again, like most Android mobile devices, this Tab will sport a microSD slot. Unfortunately, we don't know exactly how spacious of a microSD card it will support. Our best guess is on 64GB, and 128GB if Samsung is feeling generous.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S screen

This should make things interesting. If the reports and leaks are true, the Galaxy Tab S will be Samsung's first tablet to tout an AMOLED screen since the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7. (That device was released many moons ago, in 2012.)

The rumors have it that Samsung's latest tablet will occupy an interesting space: 10.5 inches. But that's not the most interesting revelation – that would belong to the device's 2560 x 1600 pixel count.

In terms of RAM we're apparently looking at 3GB, plus with a Mali-T628 graphics chip on board the Galaxy Tab S should be able to handle pretty much anything you throw at it.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S camera

While you shouldn't be too concerned with the imaging capabilities of something larger than your own head, this Galaxy Tab is looking well-served in the camera department.

Leaks have pegged the Tab S with an 8MP shooter around back and a 2MP lens up front. This slate won't be a selfie machine like the Huawei Ascend P7, but it'll do.

What about the other specs?

Ah, yes: the best of the rest. The device is expected to pack 3GB of RAM and a 7,900mAh battery to power all of these beefy components. While all of these leaked new Galaxy Tab documents point to a Wi-Fi-only variant, rumormongers are pointing to 3G and LTE versions as well.

It also looks like you may be able to link you smartphone to the Galaxy Tab S, and use the slate to make and receive phone calls - that's if we're understanding the leaked image below correctly.